Us Code § 6907 - Cooperation in carrying out convention
Full text of Us Code United States Code § 6907 — Cooperation in carrying out convention, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6907. Cooperation in carrying out convention
(a) Federal and State agencies; private institutions and organizations
The Secretary may cooperate with agencies of the United States government,1 any public or private institutions or organizations within the United States or abroad, and, through the Secretary of State, the duly authorized officials of the government of any party to the WCPFC Convention, in carrying out responsibilities under this chapter.
(b) Scientific and other programs; facilities and personnel
All Federal agencies are authorized, upon the request of the Secretary, to cooperate in the conduct of scientific and other programs and to furnish facilities and personnel for the purpose of assisting the Commission in carrying out its duties under the WCPFC Convention.
(c) Sanctioned fishing operations and biological experiments
Nothing in this chapter, or in the laws or regulations of any State, prevents the Secretary or the Commission from—
(1) conducting or authorizing the conduct of fishing operations and biological experiments at any time for purposes of scientific investigation; or
(2) discharging any other duties prescribed by the WCPFC Convention.
(d) State jurisdiction not affected
Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to diminish or to increase the jurisdiction of any State in the territorial sea of the United States.
(e) Application of regulations
(1) In general
Regulations promulgated under section 6905(a) of this title shall apply within the boundaries of any State bordering on the Convention area if the Secretary has provided notice to such State, the State does not request an agency hearing, and the Secretary determines that the State—
(A) has not, within a reasonable period of time after the promulgation of regulations pursuant to this chapter, enacted laws or promulgated regulations that implement the recommendations of the Commission within the boundaries of such State; or
(B) has enacted laws or promulgated regulations that implement the recommendations of the commission within the boundaries of such State that—
(i) are less restrictive that 2 the regulations promulgated under section 6905(a) of this title; or
(ii) are not effectively enforced.
(2) Determination by Secretary
The regulations promulgated pursuant to section 6905(a) of this title shall apply until the Secretary determines that the State is effectively enforcing within its boundaries measures that are not less restrictive than the regulations promulgated under section 6905(a) of this title.
(3) Hearing
If a State requests a formal agency hearing, the Secretary shall not apply the regulations promulgated pursuant 3 section 6905(a) of this title within that State's boundaries unless the hearing record supports a determination under paragraph (1)(A) or (B).
(f) Review of State laws and regulations
To ensure that the purposes of subsection (e) are carried out, the Secretary shall undertake a continuing review of the laws and regulations of all States to which subsection (e) applies or may apply and the extent to which such laws and regulations are enforced.
(Pub. L. 109–479, title V, §508, Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3642.)
1 So in original. Probably should be capitalized.
About This Section
16 U.S.C. § 6907 is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.
This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 6907. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.
How to Read This Statute
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.